Originally designed as the second of two hostels for
politicians and statesmen during Parliamentary sitting weeks, Hotel Kurrajong
was opened in 1926. It was designed by Commonwealth Architect, John Smith
Murdoch, who also designed Old Parliament House, and named after Kurrajong Hill, now known as Capital Hill.

From its opening, the hotel has had an impressive guest list for functions, dinners, conferences and special events. Many
members of the press, as well as Commonwealth and State officials stayed there for the
opening of Old Parliament House in May 1927. It was favoured by Labor politicians
(Liberal politicians tended to stay at Hostel No. 1, now the Hyatt Hotel).

One evening, after a Labor electoral victory, non-partisan guests complained
about the exuberant singing of ‘The Red Flag,’ in the hotels rooms. Hotel
Kurrajong was so favoured by well known party members that Caucus meetings could
have been held during mealtimes.

However, it was one particular Labor politician that gave
the hotel its most notorious incident. Ben Chifley lived at Hotel Kurrajong in
Room 205 for eleven years. When he became Prime Minister in 1945, he refused to
live in the Lodge, despite it being the official residence, and instead
continued to live in his room. He was often spotted on the porch of the Hotel,
filling his pipe and smoking. He walked to and from Old Parliament House every
day.

Chifley was known for skipping his meals, so much so, that
during the war, John Curtin once issued a mock National Security Regulation to 'eat one plate of
soup, one helping of meat and vegetables and one dessert nightly at the Hotel
Kurrajong’ (Purchase et al. p. 60).

Chifley stayed in the Kurrajong in Room 205 until his fatal
heart attack on 13 July 1951. That evening, instead of attending the
Golden Jubilee Ball at the then Parliament House, he stayed behind to work in his hotel room. There have been claims his ghost can sometimes be seen in the hotel,
dressed in a grey suit, pointing towards Old Parliament House.

Hotel Kurrajong, March 1951
Source: ACT Heritage Library image 009218

Hotel Kurrajong was staffed by locals from the Canberra
district, and became home to a wide variety of people. Due to housing
shortages, many incoming families stayed in Hotel Kurrajong before more
permanent homes could be built. Some children, including Doug Anthony (future
Deputy Prime Minister), were babysat by hotel staff, and recollect having snow fights in the
grounds and playing hockey in the hallways.

The hotel went into a period of decline in the 1970’s due to
risings costs, lower patronage and inflation. It closed in 1978, but was leased
by the ACT government in 1993 for refurbishment. Room 205 was restored to what
it had been during Chifley’s lifetime.

The Kurrajong is now in private hands as
a functioning hotel.

For additional history of the Hotel Kurrajong, why not visit the ACT Heritage library and peruse some of the books in the collection that include political
machinations and accounts by Canberra locals. We suggest Canberra’s Early Hotels: A
Pint-sized History by Shirley Purchase (ed.); The Ghost Poetry Project by Nathan Curnow; and The Memories Linger On by
Alan Foskett.